The bus ride from Shinjuku to the mountain provided several fantastic views. Of course, some of our favorites were from the 5th Station. As we worked our way back to Shinjuku, we stopped at several locations for shopping, lunch, great views, and even a death defying ride up a ropeway. Okay, maybe most people wouldn't describe it as death defying - but I certainly do!
We stopped by Lake Kawaguchi at the base of Tenjosan, an 1,104 meter (3,622 feet) mountain, to get another view of Mount Fuji. Going up the side of Tenjosan is a glass encased ropeway that is not for the faint of heart. It doesn't go super high off of the ground, but it does go up, up, up a 34 degree incline, which feels very steep when you are inside it.
I made it both up and down the ropeway by standing in the middle of the car and holding onto the bar on the ceiling. I may have closed my eyes for most of the journey as well.
At the top of Tenjosan, there are views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, just not in the same place. The views of the lake are over by the ropeway and the views of Mount Fuji are up a few stairs and in a different direction. I didn't realize just how lucky we were at the beautiful view of the mountain until I saw many other people's photos of white backgrounds instead of a mountain.
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| Photo credit: unnamed cousin |
We took a moment to ring the Bell of Tenjo. Legend has it if you ring the bell while looking at Mount Fuji through its heart-shaped silver frame, your wish will come true. I sure hope mine does!
Although I am scared of heights, I don't let it hold me back. I wanted to go and see the beautiful view with my cousins and son. The destination, especially on this spectacular day with amazing views, made the journey totally worth it for me.
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